Course Building Better Voices, by Simon Raybould.

Provider Curved Vision Theatre (www.curvedvision.co.uk).

Venue Seedfield Professional Development Centre, Bury. May 2003.

Cost Free (for me) as part of a training buy-back package. It costs pound;375 for 12 people.

How did you find out about it?

From LEA training information.

Why go?

I was teaching at Chapelfield primary school in Bury. I’d been teaching for 26 years but wanted a new direction. I’d just had two unsuccessful job interviews and hoped this might help.

What did it promise?

“How to control your voice and present yourself and your information.”

Did it deliver?

We learnt presentation skills - everything from dress to body language - and good electronic communication skills. It was all in a real-life context so you could apply it to your own situation.

Highs and lows It was great fun, and Simon was clearly an expert. But the training guide didn’t warn us to wear comfy clothes and flat shoes, so I went dressed for a business meeting - and then ended up lying on the floor.

Message, motto or mantra You can do anything, you just have to have confidence.

Best advice It’s important to give yourself time to overcome any stress at the beginning of a presentation. We spent a lot of time working on controlling breathing and posture.

Has it made a difference?

Because I went on that course I got a new job. I know how different I felt on my third interview from the previous two - I came across as confident, knowing what I was about. It’s changed my life.

Coming your way?

Curved Vision run a variety of voice and presentation courses for teachers.

Contact inset@curvedvisiontheatre.co.uk.